Eight-bedroom HMO plan approved despite objections

Plans for an eight-bedroom house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Idle have been approved despite more than 200 objections.

The plans, submitted by Mohammad Akhtar, for Crow Trees on Town Lane had prompted 211 objections, primarily concerned the area was not suitable for an HMO.

However, Bradford Council planning officers had recommended the proposal for approval, pointing out the property was already used as a six-bedroom HMO and the application was a small increase on that.

HMOs for six or fewer people do not require planning permission under current national guidelines.

Bradford Council granted permission to convert the building, which dates back to the 1700s, from a health facility to a residential dwelling in 2024.

In May this year, the property was converted into an HMO for six people.

Agent for the applicant Richard Walsh said: "It is already operating as a six-bed HMO. This application is for a modest increase of two bedrooms.

"I do recognise the concerns, but this is just two extra bedrooms.

"This application safeguards the building by bringing it into active use."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he said the building was not suitable to be used as a home for a small or medium-sized family.

Chris Herd, planning committee member and Conservative councillor for Worth Valley, said: "This looks like it's quite a nice HMO – it is in a good location. It is putting a property back into good use by creating new homes."

Members voted to approve the plans.

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